1.13.2013

ORICA-GreenEDGE for Tour Down Under

Press release: Following the Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships,
ORICA-GreenEDGE has finalized their seven rider Santos Tour Down Under
team. Matt Goss will represent the team’s interests in the sprints and
defending champion Simon Gerrans has been tapped as the team leader for
the overall. Daryl Impey, Jens Mouris, Luke Durbridge, Simon Clarke and
Stuart O’Grady will support Goss and Gerrans while actively seeking out
any personal opportunities that might materialize.

“We’re bringing a strong team, and we’re hoping to pick up a stage
win,” said Sport Director Matt Wilson. “Gerrans has free reign to have a
crack at the overall. Last year, winning the Tour Down Under felt
essential. This year, we’re taking a different approach. Wins at the
Tour Down Under are now one of many goals for our second season.”

In a race that caters to the fast finishers, Goss provides
ORICA-GreenEDGE with the most obvious option to open the season with a
WorldTour win Down Under.

“On the days where it’s a sprinter’s race, Gossy will be there,” said
Wilson. “He’s a past stage winner at the Tour Down Under and has
finished high up on the overall classification in previous years. He’s
our man for the sprints.”

Impey and Mouris will act as key figures in Goss’ sprint train.

“Daryl was Gossy’s main lead out man at the Tour de France,” noted
Wilson. “The pair worked well together. We’ve selected him for that role
again. Jens is a strong workhorse. He’s useful on both the sprint
stages and the terrain where Gerrans will need some support.”

Durbridge has demonstrated incredible form with three early season
wins. His aggressive, repeated attacks on the second day of racing at
the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic netted him a win in Portarlington. The
following week he successfully defending his national time trial title
in Ballarat before claiming the national road title in Buninyong.

“He’s clearly on super form at the moment,” Wilson said. “Like Jens,
Durbridge can help both in the sprints and over hillier terrain.”

Simon Clarke has shown that he has maintained the form that earned him
the king of the mountain’s jersey at the Vuelta a España last year.

“Simon also has really good form right now and will be a very important
rider for Gerrans for the hillier stages,” explained Wilson. “We know
he can climb with the best and if those stages become crucial for the
overall, we want to have someone next to Gerrans in the final.”

Stuart O’Grady rounds out the line-up. The South Australian is a two time Tour Down Under overall winner.

“Stuart’s experience is unparalleled – in general and at the Tour Down
Under,” said Wilson. “He will be an important road captain, helping us
execute our tactics as best as possible during the race.”

Last year Wilson was on the bike in Adelaide. This year, he’s behind the wheel.

“This is really exciting for me,” he said. “I’ve done this race 12
times as a rider. I know the stages inside out. To come here as a
director will be a completely different experience, and I’m looking
forward to the new challenge.”

In his first WorldTour directing role, Wilson is eager to set realistic expectations.

“There’s obviously a lot of attention around the team at the Tour Down
Under,” said Wilson. “It’s to be expected. There aren’t that many
chances during the year for the Australian fans to see us, talk to
riders and cheer for us roadside. Everyone likes a hometown win. It’s up
to us to do what we will with that pressure.”

“We’ve already proven a lot during our first season,” he continued.
“While we’re eager to net that first big win, we’re more patient this
year. The season is long and our objectives numerous. We’ll attack the
obvious sprint stages for Goss and support Simon in Stirling and
Willunga. We’re all looking forward to a great race.”